SRI LANKA ~Sambar Deer - Yala National Park

...More animal beauty from Yala National Park... anyone planning a trip to the park...Ravindra told me that it will be closed for maintenance from 18 September and will be reopened on 15 October!(◕‿-) Many thanks Ravindra!!

Dr. Lalith Ekanayake Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country located on Sri lanka's South Eastern Coast where you are surrounded by plains, forests, lagoons, coastline, a diverse range of animals and an abundance of bird life. It is  the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka and one of 14 national parks.

The largest of the deer family, the sambar deer live in small family packs and are characterised by their size and plain brown coat. Sambar deer are fairly adaptable and can survive in a range of habitats although they require the camouflage and cover of a forest, scrub jungle, or thicket during the day.

They are herbivores and usually feed on the leaves of the trees around them, but they also graze on grass. Only the male sambar deer will grow antlers which they use to battle for territory and harems of female sambars.

Stamp:

Ancient Sri Lanka - Medieval Eras
(Issued 12 -06-2015)

SRI LANKA ~Young male Leopard- Yala National Park ~

Last wonderful animal postcard to complete my Yala National Park series...got my firs one in August 2013 and it showed also a leopard...now I know for sure why the park is called a 'Wildlife Paradise"...so nice to hear from you again Ravindra and  thanks soooo much...each one of them is a little gem to me!!❣◕ ‿ ◕❣

Photo: © Rukshanwi Jayewardene Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country located on Sri lanka's South Eastern Coast where you are surrounded by plains, forests, lagoons, coastline, a diverse range of animals and an abundance of bird life.

With over 35 leopards, Yala West has one of the world’s densest leopard populations and is renowned as one of the best places in which to see one of these stunning cats.

Stamps:

Solar System - Moon
(Issued 05-12-2014)
World Day Against Child Labour
(Issued 12-06-1015)

SRI LANKA ~Yala National Park- Grey Langur ~

...More wildlife to enjoy of Yala National Park...and WOW just noticed this is my 100th postcard coming from "the pearl of the Indian Ocean"...most of them sent by my dear postcard friend Ravindra!! Thanks a lot!!

Langurs are a genus of Old World monkeys once thought to be a single species. Seven distinct species are now recognised, which are widespread throughout south Asia.

Grey langurs, with their black hands and face, are also known as Hanuman langurs after the monkey-god, and so are considered sacred in the Hindu religion.

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka and one of 14 national parks.





Photo © Rukshan Jayewardene

Stamp:
Solar System - Uranus
(Issued 05-12-2014)

SRI LANKA~ Male and female leopard cubs - Yala National Park~

One more fantastic postcard from Yala National Park showing leopards cubs... Thank you very much Ravindra...so nice to hear from you again! ^__^

Photograph © Rukshan Jayewardene Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka and one of 14 national parks. Yala West has one of the world’s densest leopard populations (there are estimated to be around 35 leopards in the park.) and is renowned as one of the best places in which to see one of these stunning cats.

With great stamps and cancellations.

SRI LANKA ~Orange-breasted green pigeons-Yala National Park ~

Beautiful birds at Yala National Park...Thanks once again for 3 marvellous postcards ^__^ Ravindra!!



 With lovely stamps:
Featuring  the Buddhist festival of Vesak.
(Issued 12-05-2014)

Photo ©Rukshan Jayewardene The Orange-breasted Green Pigeon is a pigeon found across tropical Asia south of the Himalaya across the Indian Subcontinent and extending into parts of Southeast Asia.

Like other green pigeons, it feeds mainly on small fruit. They may be found in pairs or in small flocks, foraging quietly and moving slowly on trees. The nape is blue-grey and the crown is yellowish green.

The male has a pinkish band on the upper breast with a broader orange one below while the female has a bright yellow breast.

SRI LANKA ~Male Leopard - Yala National Park ~

First card of another series of Yala National Park....fantastic and imposing sight of this majestic big cat...looking forward to a lot of wonderful new animal postcards...Thanks a lot Ravindra^__^


six stamps are selected with animals living in the Yala National Park (Issued 28-07- 2013) to coincide with the completion of seventy five years of the network of Wild Life Reserves in Sri Lanka.
Hawks-bill Turtle-Swamp Crocodile-Elephant-Black-necked Stork-
Wild Boar and Spotted Deer.

Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country located on Sri lanka's South Eastern Coast where you are surrounded by plains, forests, lagoons, coastline, a diverse range of animals and an abundance of bird life.


With over 35 leopards, Yala West has one of the world’s densest leopard populations and is renowned as one of the best places in which to see one of these stunning cats.





Photograph © Rukshan Jayewardene

SRI LANKA ~COLLAGE YALA NATIONAL PARK

This collage I made shows all 12 fabulous  animal postcards from the "Yala National Park" series!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Thank you sooooo much Ravindra♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

SRI LANKA ~Elephants - Yala National Park ~

...Today I received my last card from the series "Yala National Park"...another one  showing elephants... it was always such a great pleasure to find a new animal postcard  in my mailbox...I will miss it!...(received first one in August 2013)^^I got this whole set of amazing  postcards thanks to postcard friend Ravindra!!


 With as always great stamps!!

Yala Natinal Park is one of the best places for sightings of wild Elephants and is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants.

The elephant herd of Yala contains 300–350 individuals. Asian elephants, also known as Indian elephants are known to be one of the most gentle and intelligent mammals. They can be identified by their small, rounded ears and are quite a bit smaller than their cousins, the African elephants.

SRI LANKA ~Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Yala National Park ~

...A majestic bird observing the area...bit confusing name "hawk-eagle"^^... this is postcard nr 11 from the wonderful "Yala National Park" serie...only one more to go...I'm really curious about the animal shown on nr 12!! Thanks a lot Ravindra!!!


This time with one small  nice Astronomy stamp and  very clear postmark!
(Issued 09-10-2007)

The changeable hawk eagle is a large bird of prey that is frequently seen in large numbers at Yala National Park.

At a size of around 60-75cm, this  hawk eagle is a medium sized raptor with a plumage that changes color with maturity, earning it the name of ‘changeable hawk eagle’. Adult changeable hawk eagles have a much darker, dirtier-looking plumage, whereas the jounger birds have a more clean looking pale plumage with some white under and upper parts.

Mostly  spotted singly, sitting on trees surrounding open areas and  tend to sit bolt upright on a perch, waiting for their prey, before swooping in for the kill, and carrying off their prey in their talons. Crested hawk eagles will feed on mammals, and reptiles, and can even eat birds of medium size such as pheasants.

SRI LANKA ~Elephant - Yala National Park ~

Second great postcard from Yala National Park showing  elephants, this time an elephant family...
..."the gentle giants of the jungle" ...Many Thanks Ravindra!!!

 With nice matching elephant stamp.

(one of the six stamps of animals living in the park)
(Issued 28-07-2013

Yala National Park (also known as Ruhunu National Park) is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Actually it consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public; and also adjoining parks. It is situated in the southeast region of the country.

 Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938.

 Yala Natinal Park is one of the best places for sightings of wild Elephants and is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants. The elephant herd of Yala contains 300–350 individuals.

Asian elephants, also known as Indian elephants are known to be one of the most gentle and intelligent mammals. They can be identified by their small, rounded ears and are quite a bit smaller than their cousins, the African elephants.

SRI LANKA ~ Indian Peacock - Yala National Park

...Today a beautiful male Indian Peacock showing its feathers ...probably one of the most recognizable birds of the world...wonderful metallic colored greens and blues...
Thanks Ravindra and  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too ^^!

With lovely bright stamp:
The 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) (Issued 14-11-2013)

Indian Peafowl are a common sight in the dry zone jungles of Sri Lanka and are probably one of the most easily recognisable birds in the area.

The male's tail is fully developed after it reaches the 4 year mark. The males are known for raising their train in the shape of a fan and quivering them as part of a courtship display. Their diet consists of berries, grain, snakes, lizards and small rodents.

They are most active at dawn and dusk and tend to stay hidden during the heat of the day. When disturbed they prefer to run through the undergrowth and will avoid taking flight.

SRI LANKA ~ Leopard - Yala National Park ~

..My two last Sri lankan postcards waiting to be post here ...both wonderful animals from Yala National Park (postcards nr 7 and 8 in my collection)...Thanks Ravindra!!

With many nice stamps used.

Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country located on Sri lanka's South Eastern Coast where you are surrounded by plains, forests, lagoons, coastline, a diverse range of animals and an abundance of bird life.

 With over 35 leopards, Yala West has one of the world’s densest leopard populations and is renowned as one of the best places in which to see one of these stunning cats.

SRI LANKA ~Greater Flamingo - Yala National Park ~

A beautiful sight... these huge birds fly with such elegance...Thanks Ravindra!!

Yala National Park is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka.Of 215 bird species of the park, six are endemic to Sri Lanka.

This is the largest species of flamingo, averaging 110–150 cm (43–60 in) tall and weighing 2–4 kg (4.4–8.8 lbs). Most of the plumage is pinkish-white, but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a restricted black tip, and the legs are entirely pink.  Sub-adult flamingos are whitish-grey and only attain the pink coloration several years into their adult life. The bird resides in mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with salt water.

SRI LANKA ~Toque Macaque - Yala National Park ~

Animal postcard nr 6 from Yala National Park...a funny looking monkey... Thanks sooo much Ravindra for this set of beautiful cards!!

 With many wonderful stamps:
 World Children's and Tourism Day Day 2013

The toque macaque is a reddish-brown-coloured and live only in Sri Lanka, where it is locally known as the rilewa or rilawa. It lives in troops, sometimes numbering up to 20, and has developed into three subspecies. Toque macaques are omnivores and like to eat fruit, seeds, nuts, mushrooms, tubers, invertebrates and occasionally animals, including reptiles and birds.Wild cats (leopards and fishing cats) and python snakes are the main predators of this species.

 Unfortunately, the toque macaque is endangered; their rainforest home is being cut down for logging and for farming.

SRI LANKA ~ Great Egret - Yala National Park ~

...New card from Yala National Park...Elegant bird view...Thanks a lot Ravindra!!


With great matching stamp nr 6 of six new stamps selected with animals living in the Yala National Park (Issued 28-07- 2013) to coincide with the completion of seventy five years of the network of Wild Life Reserves in Sri Lanka. -Hawksbill Turtle-Swamp Crocodile-Elephant-Black-necked Stork -The Wild Boar -The Spotted Deer.

Yala National Park is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka.Of 215 bird species of the park, six are endemic to Sri Lanka.

The Great Egret (size 91cm) has large neck, white wings with sparkling yellow eyes. The normally yellow bill turns black when breeding. Black legs and feet. The long feather plumes extend from the back to beyond the tail during breeding season.It can be found on rivers, lakes and mudflats, including inundated cultivated fields. Feeds on fish, frogs, insects, snakes.

SRI LANKA ~Spotted Deer - Yala National Park~

...Wonderful postcard nr 4 of Yala National Park serie...a herd of Spotted Deer...so pretty and playful animals with their white spotted backs and colors blending so well with the surroundings it lives in...but unfortunately another specie at risk from hunting and loss of habitat... Many thanks again Ravindra!!


With great matching stamp nr 5 of six new stamps selected with animals living in the Yala National Park (Issued 28-07- 2013) to coincide with the completion of seventy five years of the network of Wild Life Reserves in Sri Lanka. -Hawksbill Turtle-Swamp Crocodile-Elephant-Black-necked Stork -The Wild Boar -The Spotted Deer.

I wrote already about Yala National Park here: "Yala National Park Wildlife paradise"

The Spotted deer is the most common of all four Sri Lankan deer species, they live in smaller family  groups. They use the jungle as cover and come out to feed when they feel it is safe. They eat many types of grasses, fruits, leaves and berries. Their predators are man, leopards, Jackals and Sloth bears.The females normally only give birth to one fawn each year.

SRI LANKA ~Elephant - Yala National Park ~

...Amazing postcard of one of the most magnificent and largest mammals on land... a giant elephant tearing down a tree as a snack...it must be awesome to see elephants in their natural habitat...
Can't thank you enough Ravindra for once again a fabulous postcard!! ^__^ (Yala National Park nr 3 )



With great stamp nr 4 of six new stamps selected with animals
living in the Yala National Park (Issued 28-07- 2013) to coincide with the completion of seventy five years of the network of Wild Life Reserves in Sri Lanka. -Hawksbill Turtle-Swamp Crocodile-Elephant-Black-necked Stork -The Wild Boar -The Spotted Deer.

Yala National Park (also known as Ruhunu National Park) is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Actually it consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public; and also adjoining parks. It is situated in the southeast region of the country.

Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938.

Yala Natinal Park is one of the best places for sightings of wild Elephants and  is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants. The elephant herd of Yala contains 300–350 individuals.

Asian elephants, also known as Indian elephants are  known to be one of the most gentle and intelligent mammals. They can be identified by their small, rounded ears and are quite a bit smaller than their cousins, the African elephants.

SRI LANKA ~Wild Buffalo-Yala National Park~

...Faaaaantastic card nr 2 of "Yala National Park Wildlife paradise"... Wild water buffaloes cooling off...relaxing deep in the water most  of the day...sadly enough another endangered specie!!
Thanks a million Ravindra ^__^



With great stamps nr 2and 3 of
six new stamps  selected with animals living in the Yala National Park (Issued 28-07- 2013) to coincide with the completion of seventy five years of the network of Wild Life Reserves in Sri Lanka. -Hawksbill Turtle-Swamp Crocodile-Elephant-Black-necked Stork-The Wild Boar -The Spotted Deer.

 The landscape of Yala National park are the vast areas of flooded grass land that expands or diminishes with the arrival of the Monsoons. The Sri Lankan water buffalo relish in this wet environment. The water is cooling in the tropical heat. It provides relief from the hundreds of biting blood sucking insects. These lagoons also provide their major food source, lush grass and leaves.

 They are safe in the water from leopards but they have to keep an eye out for very large crocodiles. Adult water buffalos can fight off leopards with their bulk and horns.

SRI LANKA ~Leopard-Yala National Park- ~

...fantastic postcard with great stamp... a leopard in the wild...I've been sooo spoiled with amazing postcards from an island on which I fell in love thanks to my dear postcard friend Ravindra... can't wait to see more postcards of this serie...I just love it ^__^. Thanks a million Ravindra!!


six new  stamps are selected with animals living in the Yala National Park (Issued 28-07- 2013)  to coincide with the completion of seventy five years of the network of Wild Life Reserves in Sri Lanka. Hawks-bill Turtle-Swamp Crocodile-Elephant-Black-necked Stork-The Wild Boar -The Spotted Deer.

Yala National Park- one of the largest national parks in the country located on Sri lank's South Eastern Coast where you are surrounded by plains, forests, lagoons, coastline, a diverse range of animals and an abundance of bird life.

 With over 35 leopards, Yala West has one of the world’s densest leopard populations and is renowned as one of the best places in which to see one of these stunning cats.

 44 species of mammals are resident in Yala National Park.